Coroner's Diary

"They took a young man out?" Yan Qi frowned deeply.

"Yes, our people reported that they left with a young man dressed in white."

Hearing his attendant's words, Yan Qi's eyes darkened. Today was already the 29th of the twelfth lunar month—only two days remained. He had anticipated that the Crown Prince's faction would make some move during these final days, and indeed, his prediction had come true.

"Where did they go?" Yan Qi suddenly asked again.

The attendant hurriedly replied, "We don't know yet. Our men have already followed them. If there's any news, they'll report immediately."

Yan Qi nodded, pondered for a moment with a somber expression, then suddenly asked, "Has the fourth young master of the Marquis residence returned yet?"

The attendant confirmed, "Not yet. Currently, only Qin Shizi remains as the young master in the Marquis residence."

"Then... have there been any other guests at the Marquis residence these days?"

The attendant shook his head. "None, at least not openly. We don't know about any covert activities."

Yan Qi sneered. It was precisely these covert activities he feared. His men had already destroyed several key pieces of evidence. What could Zheng Baishi possibly uncover in these last one or two days? And if the Marquis residence intended to aid the Crown Prince, who would they bring in to turn the tide?

After thinking for a long while without reaching a conclusion, Yan Qi recalled his speculation from the previous day.

Could it be that the Marquis residence had found someone to pose as the culprit and take the blame?!

With this thought, Yan Qi's expression darkened further. It was indeed a possibility—who would suspect the Marquis residence if they orchestrated it?

As Yan Qi was lost in thought, his attendant soon returned with new information.

"Master, Qin Shizi took them to the Mortuary Temple in the southern part of the city!"

"The Mortuary Temple?!" Yan Qi could no longer remain seated. He stood up, frowning deeply at the attendant. "Are you certain? They truly went to the Mortuary Temple? How many people were there?"

"Qin Shizi went with the young man. However, Prefect Zheng and Loyal Marquis Qin Shu were also present."

Yan Qi's gaze darkened instantly. What kind of major event would require the presence of both Prefect Zheng and Loyal Marquis Qin Shu?!

"Keep a close watch. Report back as soon as they leave!"

The attendant acknowledged the order and departed. Yan Qi remained standing for a moment before sitting down again. The Crown Prince's situation seemed hopeless—could he still manage to turn it around? Yan Qi's frown deepened. He would never give the Crown Prince such an opportunity.

……

……

The cold wind of the winter morning was bone-chilling. Qin Guan had not worn a cape when she went out, and even inside the carriage, she felt her hands and feet growing cold. When she lifted the curtain to look outside, she saw the sky was overcast, as if snow were imminent. Qin Guan narrowed her eyes—it seemed this New Year would be exceptionally cold.

"Father and Prefect Zheng are waiting at the Mortuary Temple. Just conduct the Corpse Examination as you usually do. There's no need to be nervous."

Qin Yan offered reassurance, and Qin Guan turned to ask, "What kind of homicide is this? You mentioned earlier that more than one person had died?"

Qin Yan pursed his lips, hesitating for a moment. "It wasn't appropriate to discuss it earlier, but now that you're going to perform the Corpse Examination, it's only right to tell you. This case... all the victims are women. Three have died so far, and before their deaths, they were... violated. The first victim died a month and a half ago, the second a month ago, and the most recent one half a month ago."

Qin Guan's heart trembled, but she understood why Qin Yan had kept it from her. She frowned, her expression turning grave.One and a half months, one month, half a month—even the most recent corpse was from half a month ago. The longer the time, the more the bodies would decay, and the fewer clues could be uncovered through Corpse Examination. Qin Guan’s brows tightened into a deep frown.

Qin Yan sighed. "According to Magistrate Zheng, all three young ladies were in their teens, and each was already betrothed. The earliest was set to marry in early spring after the New Year, while the latest would wed by next summer. Yet at this critical moment, such a tragedy occurred."

Qin Guan’s heart sank further. "Is there anything else known?"

Qin Yan shook his head. "Nothing more. Previously, this case had nothing to do with the Marquis’s estate, so neither Father nor I inquired too deeply." His expression turned serious. "This case falls under the jurisdiction of the Crown Prince. The Emperor ordered him to solve it before New Year’s Eve, but today is already the 29th of the twelfth lunar month. Clearly, the case won’t be resolved in time. Yesterday, Magistrate Zheng and Minister Li of the Court of Judicial Review visited the Marquis’s estate and brought up the matter again. I spoke impulsively and recommended you. Ninth Sister, will you blame me?"

Qin Yan’s intention was ultimately to share the Crown Prince’s burden. Qin Guan understood and shook her head. "How could I? You know me—I’ve always had some interest in these matters. To me, Corpse Examination is no different from practicing medicine. One helps the living, the other assists the dead. Giving peace to their spirits is also a way to accumulate merit and blessings."

Qin Yan relaxed slightly. "That’s well said. I just wanted to be honest with you. Don’t feel pressured—whether you uncover anything this time or not, it doesn’t matter."

Qin Guan nodded and fell silent. The carriage moved steadily onward, and after the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, it gradually came to a halt.

"We’re here—"

Qin Yan stepped out of the carriage first, then offered a hand to assist Qin Guan as she emerged. Lifting her gaze, Qin Guan felt a moment of dazed recognition—she had been to this southern city Mortuary Temple before.

Compared to the one in Jinzhou, the southern city Mortuary Temple in the capital was notably more spacious and grand. Yet, a mortuary temple remained a place for housing the dead—no matter how splendid the buildings, no one would ever favor such a location.

Situated in the southeastern corner of the southern city, it was one of the most remote areas in the entire imperial capital. The surrounding residents were all impoverished, and on the street where the Mortuary Temple stood, there were hardly any decent houses, let alone people living there.

At this moment, the long street before the Mortuary Temple was desolate and quiet, with only two guards stationed at the entrance, seemingly waiting for Qin Yan and Qin Guan. As soon as they arrived, the guards approached. "Heir Apparent, Magistrate and the Marquis are waiting inside."

Qin Yan nodded and ascended the steps with Qin Guan.

After just a few steps, Qin Guan instinctively glanced back. Noticing this, Qin Yan paused beside her and turned. "What is it?"

Qin Guan stared at the path they had taken but remained silent. For some reason, she had felt as though someone was watching them.

Yet now, all she saw was an empty, desolate street. She shook her head. "It’s nothing."

Qin Yan nodded, and they stepped through the Mortuary Temple’s gate.

Although the buildings here were more expansive than those in Jinzhou’s Mortuary Temple, the moment they entered, the eerie chill unique to places housing the dead washed over them. A few steps further in, the pungent scent of incense grew even more overwhelming.

Qin Guan walked slowly, her expression somewhat dazed as she took in the bleak courtyard before her.Although her father had rarely allowed her to accompany him for corpse examinations since coming to the capital, there had been one occasion when he brought her to this place.

Over two years had passed in a flash, yet this Mortuary Temple remained completely unchanged.

Passing through the main gate and crossing the desolate, bleak central courtyard before even entering the main hall, Qin Guan saw five or six people standing inside.

Noticing their arrival, the people inside came out to greet them.

The first to emerge was Qin Shu, followed closely by Zheng Baishi leading four others. Their gazes unanimously fell upon Qin Guan.

Qin Yan stepped forward, "Father, Lord Zheng, this is the person I mentioned last night."

Qin Shu looked Qin Guan up and down for a moment, nodded, then turned to Zheng Baishi. Surprise flickered in Zheng Baishi's eyes - when Qin Yan had spoken last night, he had expected at least someone older, but never imagined that Qin Guan would appear to be merely a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth. Zheng Baishi narrowed his eyes slightly, examining more carefully, and suddenly his surprise deepened.

"Greetings, my lord—"

Qin Guan cupped her hands in salute to Zheng Baishi like a man would. Zheng Baishi nodded unconsciously, pausing for a moment before turning and saying, "This is Coroner Fang Bo from the prefectural office, and this is Constable Zhan Yang. These two will assist you."

Qin Guan looked up to see Fang Bo was an elderly man over fifty with graying hair. When he noticed her gaze, Fang Bo gave her a kindly smile. Qin Guan nodded in return, then turned her eyes to Zhan Yang, the chief constable of Lin'an Prefecture. At this sight, Qin Guan's expression shifted slightly - for some reason, she felt this Zhan Yang looked strangely familiar, yet she couldn't recall where she might have seen him before. Collecting herself, Qin Guan cupped her hands in salute to Zhan Yang as well.

Zhan Yang appeared to be in his twenties, dressed in black official uniform with a long sword at his waist. He stood tall and straight, with regular features, sword-like eyebrows that angled sharply toward his temples, and piercing dark eyes. Simply standing there, he exuded an imposing and steady presence. At this moment, he was studying Qin Guan with slight scrutiny. When Qin Guan saluted him, he merely gave a slight nod without speaking.

Behind Zhan Yang stood two other constables - one over thirty with a slightly plump build, the other also in his twenties, tall and thin, examining Qin Guan with quite lively curiosity...

Calling in an outsider for a corpse examination out of the blue - no doubt these government officers were all filled with investigative interest.

Qin Guan took no offense, simply looking at Zheng Baishi, "My lord, may we begin?"

Zhan Yang smiled, "Of course. The body is stored in the back. You may ask Fang Bo and Zhan Yang whatever you need." He then looked at Zhan Yang, "Zhan Yang, lead the way—"

Zhan Yang nodded and turned toward the back hall.

The Mortuary Temple was divided into front and back halls. The front hall contained no death-related items and served as a reception area for visiting officials, while all government-case corpses and unclaimed bodies were kept in the back hall.

Zhan Yang walked at the front, followed by Zheng Baishi and Qin Shu. Qin Yan brought up the third position with Qin Guan, while two government runners brought up the rear. The two guards who had come initially remained stationed outside.Upon reaching the entrance to the back hall, a man over forty was still waiting. Dressed in worn gray robes, his ink-black hair was streaked with white and loosely tied at the back. Most striking was the wine-cup-sized scar over his left eye. With only his right eye remaining, his gaze remained sharp. Seeing Zhan Yang enter, he hurriedly said, "Zhan Butou, everything is ready."

Zhan Yang nodded, stepped forward, and pulled aside the curtain to the back hall.

As the curtain lifted, a peculiar odor blending vinegar and incense wafted out. Zhan Yang held the curtain open, first allowing Zheng Baishi and the others to enter. Only after Qin Guan and Qin Yan had also stepped inside did he follow.

Upon entering, they saw the back hall filled with wooden planks propped up on stools. It was evident that corpses were usually laid out on these planks. Currently, the planks stood empty, with no bodies in sight. At the far end of the hall stood a tall statue of Guanyin, with offerings and incense placed before it. On either side of the statue were two small doors. Zheng Baishi, leading the way, explained, "Unclaimed bodies of natural deaths are placed outside. Those involved in official cases are stored further inside to avoid interfering with investigations."

Zheng Baishi was addressing Qin Shu, then pointed to the door on the right. "This way."

Soon, Zheng Baishi led everyone through the right door.

Upon entering the room, an oppressive chill made everyone shiver. Qin Guan, standing at the doorway, saw that the rear window was open. The room was filled with Ice Basins of various sizes, and three bodies lay on four wooden planks, all covered with white cloths. The stark white shrouds and the dim lighting sent a chill down the spine. Yet, Qin Guan walked in.

"How did the case unfold? Please briefly explain, Zhan Butou. Which is the first victim?" Qin Guan's voice was clear and unhurried. Qin Shu watched her, his eyes slightly brightening. Zhan Yang, with a solemn expression, stepped forward and said, "The one before you, miss. She was the first victim in this series, discovered a month and a half ago."

Qin Guan nodded. Perhaps out of consideration for her youth, Old Fang stepped forward and lifted the shroud.

As the cloth was removed, a corpse with bluish-purple skin, bulging eyes, and severely swollen face and abdomen was revealed. Though still clothed, the body was so bloated that feminine features were no longer distinct. Qin Guan frowned slightly and approached, while Qin Yan felt the breakfast in his stomach churn with nausea.

Compared to the grotesque, swollen corpse, Qin Guan, in her white robes, appeared even more elegant, like an orchid or cassia branch. Witnessing the scene, the others expected her to either vomit on the spot or at least hesitate in disgust. To their surprise, her expression remained unchanged, without a trace of contempt or aversion.

Old Fang's lips curved into a faint, kindly smile, as if pleased with the young woman's composure. He set the shroud aside and brought out a small wooden box.

Qin Guan nodded in thanks to Old Fang, then took two Scent Pills from her sleeve and placed them in her mouth. She also retrieved Aversion Incense and handed it to Zhan Yang. "Please light this, Zhan Butou—"Although Zhan Yang possessed a dignified and imposing appearance, he rarely smiled and lived up to his taciturn, solemn demeanor. Seeing this, he glanced at the Aversion Incense in Qin Guan's hand before taking it, placing it in the corner, and lighting it.

As the fragrance spread, the atmosphere in the room noticeably shifted.

Uncle Fang gave a faint smile. "This young lady also knows medicine—"

Qin Shu chuckled. "Indeed, she hasn't studied the Path of the Coroner, but she conducts corpse examinations based on her medical knowledge."

Uncle Fang nodded and stepped aside. As an experienced Coroner of Lin'an Prefecture, he held great confidence in his skills. Yet, when someone else was suddenly assigned to examine the corpse, he showed no displeasure, instead watching kindly to see what Qin Guan might uncover.

Qin Guan rolled up her sleeves and retrieved the Gauntlets from her other sleeve, putting them on. Only after securing them did she open the case provided by Uncle Fang. After a brief inspection, she selected a small knife and a bristle brush, then leaned over to begin her examination starting from the corpse's swollen, purplish, and grotesque face.

As she worked, Qin Guan inquired, "Please, Zhan Butou, describe how the crime scene was discovered and the circumstances of the deceased."

Zhan Yang raised an eyebrow, instinctively glancing at Zheng Baishi, who nodded with a smile. Only then did Zhan Yang reply, "The first victim was found beneath the pier of the Yushui River in the southern part of the city. The location was extremely secluded—passersby on the road couldn't see it; one had to climb over the riverbank railing to spot it. The person who reported it was a boatman who made a living rowing small boats for tourists on the Yushui River. By the time our men arrived, the victim was already dead. We later learned she was the second daughter of a Zhang family in the southern city. It was said she had gone out to buy vinegar the previous night but never returned. The family intended to report her missing the next day, but the authorities found them first."

Zhan Yang's voice was resonant, his words deliberate and unhurried. Qin Guan listened while meticulously examining the body from head to chest. Once Zhan Yang finished, she asked no further questions. With unwavering focus, she removed the shroud covering the corpse, scanning the bloated chest and abdomen and the already decomposing groin and legs. Her gaze remained calm. After her visual inspection, she leaned in again, using the small brush to clear away the moldy, greenish skin that was nearly sloughing off the surface before carefully examining the wounds beneath.

Her movements were refined, her hands remarkably steady, akin to a craftsman meticulously carving jade. Observing her demeanor, Zhan Yang's brow furrowed deeply, while Qin Shu and Zheng Baishi both wore complex expressions. Qin Yan wanted to look but dared not stare too long, and for some reason, Qin Guan's unusually serene and solemn demeanor, so different from her usual self, sent a chill down his spine. If a young woman wasn't afraid of such a horrifying corpse, what in the world could possibly frighten her?

The room fell silent, save for the sound of everyone's breathing. In this agonizing stillness, they waited for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before Qin Guan finally straightened up. Having been bent over for so long, a faint sheen of sweat was visible on her forehead. Yet, when she spoke, her voice remained steady and coldly solemn. "The deceased has crescent-shaped subcutaneous bruises on the neck, accompanied by severe subcutaneous bleeding. Additionally, there are minor hemorrhages on the ocular membrane, indicating death by manual strangulation. Furthermore, the deceased has abrasions on the buttocks, back, lower calves, and heels, suggesting she was likely dragged during the incident..."As she spoke, Qin Guan looked at Zhan Yang, "Did Zhan Butou find anything else at the crime scene?"

Zhan Yang shook his head, "Nothing."

Qin Guan nodded and continued, "Did Zhan Butou only search the area around the Jade Water River at that time?"

Zhan Yang nodded, "Exactly. After discovering the deceased, we immediately searched the vicinity of the Jade Water River but found no suspicious individuals or objects. When we questioned her family, her father mentioned that when she went out in the evening, she was carrying a clay jar from their home used for vinegar. However, we searched the area and did not find the jar."

Qin Guan immediately stated, "Because the victim was not killed by the Jade Water River."

Zhan Yang frowned, "How can you tell?"

Qin Guan glanced at the wounds on the corpse that were nearly covered by Cadaveric Spots, "Among all the injuries on the victim, only the neck wound shows severe subcutaneous bleeding. The other abrasions, including the wounds on the inner thighs, show no signs of subcutaneous bleeding. This clearly indicates that these injuries were inflicted after the victim's death. Moreover, the victim was violated by the perpetrator after death, and it is highly likely that the perpetrator first strangled her, then brought her under the bridge pier of the Jade Water River."

Zhan Yang was taken aback, "So you can determine whether it happened before or after death just like that?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Yes."

Zhan Yang then looked at Uncle Fang, whose smile faded as he furrowed his brows slightly, "I've heard of this theory before, but I wasn't sure if it was true. This..."

Qin Guan explained, "It's a simple principle, Uncle Fang. If you were to cut this corpse, it wouldn't bleed. When a person is alive, wounds heal, but not after death. Even if there is bleeding, it differs from bleeding while alive."

She then turned to Zhan Yang, "Where else did Zhan Butou search?"

Zhan Yang quickly replied, "We also searched around the young lady's residence and the grain shop where she was supposed to get vinegar. However, that shop was closed that day. The owner had left the capital to restock supplies two days earlier and only returned two days later, so he had no time to commit the crime. As a result, we have no idea where the young lady went afterward. We even inquired at grain shops farther away, but none reported seeing her. After that, we ran out of leads..."

Qin Guan pondered briefly, "If she had just died, the body would still bleed when injured. But looking at these abrasions, there is no trace of scabbing under the skin. I suspect the young lady was first strangled, then hidden somewhere. Only late at night, when it was quiet, did the perpetrator bring her to the Jade Water River to commit the crime. These abrasions..."

Qin Guan leaned in for a closer look, "They seem to have been caused by dragging the body up and down steps."

She then shook her head, "It's been too long. The signs of decomposition are obscured by Cadaveric Spots and greenish discoloration. I can't be certain for now." With that, Qin Guan moved to the second corpse, "Let's finish examining the other two first."

This time, Qin Guan herself lifted the shroud covering the second body. As the cloth was removed, another swollen female corpse was revealed. Qin Guan examined it briefly and began the Corpse Examination just as she had with the first body. Throughout the process, she paid no attention to Qin Shu or Qin Yan, completely absorbed in the corpse and the case. After a moment, she added, "Please explain, Zhan Butou."After this brief observation, Zhan Yang no longer dared to underestimate Qin Guan and said in a deep voice, "The second corpse was discovered in an abandoned residence in the southwest. The house was occupied by a widower living alone ten years ago. After the widower died, the place fell into disrepair, and now it's nothing but crumbling walls and ruins. The corpse was found by a night watchman who kept a dog. The dog caught the scent and ran inside, which led to the discovery of the body."

"The deceased's home is located in the southwest part of the city, with only an elderly mother and an elder brother in the household. When we went to her home, her mother said she had gone out at dusk to deliver dinner to her brother, who works as an apprentice at a pharmacy in the southern part of the city. She never returned after leaving. Later, her brother confirmed that the meal had indeed been delivered, and his sister had headed home alone afterward. He stayed overnight at the pharmacy to guard the premises and didn't return home. The next morning, when he came back, he discovered his sister was missing, and soon after, he received the tragic news."

After Zhan Yang finished speaking, Qin Guan showed no reaction, so he continued, "The crime scene is in a different direction from both the pharmacy where the girl's brother works and her home. We suspect she was abducted by the killer on her way home, or perhaps someone she knew led her in another direction where she was murdered. As for the first victim, we also investigated people she knew, but found that she had very few male acquaintances and was not the type to meet men privately in secluded places."

Pausing to think, Zhan Yang added, "After this girl's death, we began to suspect it might be the work of the same perpetrator. We conducted extensive searches and detained several suspicious individuals, but ultimately none turned out to be the killer. We initially thought there were only these two cases, but unexpectedly, another person was killed half a month ago."

As Zhan Yang spoke steadily, Qin Guan had just finished examining the second corpse. Her movements grew increasingly swift. After completing the inspection, she draped the shroud over the body and turned her attention to the third corpse.

When the shroud was lifted, a relatively fresh corpse came into view.

It was currently winter, and the area was equipped with numerous Ice Basins, maintaining an extremely low temperature that naturally slowed decomposition. However, the first two bodies had been dead for longer and had inevitably begun to bloat. Only the most recently discovered corpse remained unswollen, yet the purple blotches all over the body and greenish discoloration were still horrifying to behold.

Qin Guan took a few moments to rest, then bent down to carefully examine every wound on the body. Since this corpse was not severely decomposed, she conducted her inspection with exceptional thoroughness and precision.

Seeing this, Zhan Yang continued, "The victim was found in a dark alley not far from the city gate. That alley sees very little traffic, with only the night soil collector passing through every morning. She was the one who discovered the body. The first two victims lived in the eastern and western parts of the southern city respectively, but this third victim wasn't from the city at all—she resided in Hao Family Village outside Lin'an City. She had come to the city that day to purchase New Year goods but never made it back home. Initially, we only investigated her identity within the city and didn't consider looking outside. It wasn't until three days after her death, when her family reported her missing to the authorities, that we learned her identity."

"Do these three victims have anything in common?" Qin Guan suddenly asked.Zhan Yang then said, "These three girls—two aged sixteen and one seventeen—were of average appearance and came from ordinary families. There were no commonalities in their looks, personalities, or clothing. However, the coincidence is that all three were betrothed. When we first discovered this, we thought it highly likely the perpetrator was someone familiar with the girls who resented their impending marriages, as the three families were unacquainted, and strangers wouldn’t typically know about their engagements. Yet, after investigation, we found no one connected to all three families. Especially the third victim—her family lives outside the city, and she didn’t come to Lin’an daily. Inquiries revealed they had no acquaintances in Lin’an at all. Logically, the killer couldn’t have had many opportunities to track her movements and strike—"

As he spoke, Qin Guan had already begun examining the third female corpse’s upper thigh area. The room was filled with men, who averted their gazes upon seeing this. Only Old Fang watched her inspection closely. Shortly after, Qin Guan straightened up again.

Seeing this, everyone assumed she had finished examining all three corpses. Zheng Baishi stared directly at Qin Guan and asked, "Well?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I need to perform an autopsy on this body."

Her words stunned the room. An autopsy—even with Qin Guan’s boldness, her youth made such an act astonishing. Even Old Fang looked surprised...

Only Qin Yan glanced at Qin Shu with a slight lift of his chin, as if saying, "See? I told you so!"

"An autopsy? Young... young master, are you certain?"

Qin Guan nodded. "The first two bodies are too decomposed—their organs have rotted, and their stomachs are empty. An autopsy wouldn’t yield much. But the third victim is worth trying." She kept her eyes on Zheng Baishi. "Sir, may I?"

Zheng Baishi snapped out of his daze and hurriedly nodded. "Yes, of course!"

Qin Guan acknowledged this and scanned the room. "If any of you feel uncomfortable, you may wait outside."

Zheng Baishi hesitated and glanced at Qin Shu, who smiled. "Don’t worry, Sir. I’m fine with it."

Hearing this, Zheng Baishi chuckled. "If the Marquis has no issue, neither do I." He then looked at Qin Yan and the others. "If you can’t handle it, step outside—"

Qin Yan had no intention of leaving, and the two constables standing behind him remained as well. Meanwhile, Old Fang naturally stayed, and Zhan Yang certainly wouldn’t retreat at this moment. Thus, no one in the room moved.

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. "Very well. If you feel unwell, you may leave at any time."

After speaking, she exchanged her tool for a sharper knife. Turning back, she first palpated the corpse’s abdomen, then followed the gap she’d located and made an incision—

"Ugh—"

A retching sound erupted abruptly. Simultaneously, the severed flesh pulled apart, revealing a bloody interior. Qin Yan had thought he could endure it, but he never expected someone behind him to retch. The sound instantly triggered his own suppressed nausea. Without hesitation, he turned and strode out.

Qin Shu and Zheng Baishi stood with faint smiles, hearing another constable leave shortly after. Exchanging a glance, they faced Qin Guan’s autopsy inside while retching sounds echoed outside—thankfully, the two older men could withstand it.Qin Yan and the others fled in panic, yet Old Man Fang stood calmly and soon asked, "Young master, have you performed dissections on corpses before?"

Qin Guan replied without changing her expression, "A few times."

Old Man Fang continued, "How did you dare to do it?"

Qin Guan said with steady composure, "I once read an ancient text that explained many methods of opening the skull, chest, and abdomen to treat illnesses. At the time, I wanted to try but didn’t dare to experiment lightly. Later, I thought, while I couldn’t attempt it on the living, I could on the dead. The deceased have no risk to their lives, and their bones and meridians are no different from those of the living. Moreover, they don’t feel pain or struggle like the living do, making them the best subjects for practice. That’s how I came to dissect corpses. Afterward, I read several works on criminal justice and, by chance, mastered the path of a coroner."

Old Man Fang’s eyes lit up as he listened. "Young master, your method of learning medicine is something I’ve never heard of, but it seems remarkably effective. If only..." He trailed off, then sighed after a moment. "What a pity."

Zhan Yang frowned deeply. Old Man Fang was the most experienced coroner in Lin’an Prefecture, yet in his many years as a constable, Zhan Yang had rarely seen him perform dissections. Now, this young man had started with dissection right away—clearly, he was exceptionally skilled. So why did Old Man Fang say it was a pity? As he thought this, Zhan Yang clenched his jaw tightly. The smell in the room grew increasingly intense, and acid rose in his stomach, but in front of so many people, he couldn’t afford to lose his composure.

Old Man Fang sighed, but Qin Guan didn’t respond. Soon, Old Man Fang noticed Qin Guan furrowing her brow. "Young master, what’s wrong?"

Without looking up, Qin Guan said, "The stomach is empty."

Before Old Man Fang could speak, Zheng Baishi beside them asked, "Then... is there no hope?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No, food enters the stomach, and what isn’t fully digested moves into the intestines..."

As she spoke, Zheng Baishi saw Qin Guan’s hand slowly moving downward. Whatever she cut into released a putrid stench even more unbearable than the sour odor from opening the stomach. In an instant, Qin Shu’s face changed color several times. Soon, Qin Guan said, "Constable Zhan, please fetch a bowl."

Zhan Yang was taken aback. A bowl? Where could he get one?

As he wondered, he spotted a few oil lamp bowls in the corner. Zhan Yang went over, picked one up, and placed it beside Qin Guan’s hand. Without hesitation, he watched as Qin Guan scooped a handful of something that looked and smelled like night soil into the oil lamp bowl. As if aware that Zhan Yang and the others couldn’t take much more, Qin Guan worked quickly. In no time, the bowl was full. While tidying the corpse’s wounds, she said, "Constable Zhan, please help wash out the contents inside."

Zhan Yang stared grimly at the bowl of unknown substance, pressed his lips together, took the bowl, and walked out.

On the side, Zheng Baishi let out a deep breath. "Marquis, shall we step outside for a moment?"

Qin Shu laughed heartily. "Yes, yes, otherwise these old bones of mine won’t hold up—"

So, the two of them walked out together. Once outside, they both took several deep breaths, exchanged a helpless glance, and laughed wryly. Meanwhile, Qin Yan approached helplessly and asked, "Father, sir, is it over?"

Zheng Baishi nodded. "This time, it should be over. Let’s wait and see what she says."Qin Yan's face was ashen, while two bailiffs not far away were vomiting so violently their legs gave way. Zheng Baishi noticed only Qin Shu, his son, and himself standing nearby, so he lowered his voice, "This young gentleman is truly extraordinary—not only skilled in his craft, but also possessing remarkable composure and appearance. If dressed in women's attire, I fear the entire capital would turn their heads in awe..."

Qin Shu and Qin Yan were taken aback. Qin Shu laughed heartily, "I knew I couldn't hide it from you, old fox!"

Seeing this, Qin Yan also smiled. Qin Shu then instructed Qin Yan, "Go fetch some water for Wan Yatou to wash her hands..."

Qin Yan obeyed, and the one-eyed gatekeeper of the mortuary temple led him to the backyard to draw water. Meanwhile, Qin Shu whispered, "She is my second brother's biological daughter, my own niece. Brother Baishi, you must not let anyone else know."

Zheng Baishi was utterly astonished, "What? She is a young lady of Qin Manor?!"

Qin Shu felt a sense of satisfaction from Zheng Baishi's surprise and couldn't help but chuckle. Just as he was about to nod, a guard from outside hurried in, "My Lord, Marquis! Something terrible—Prince Cheng has arrived with his men!"

Zheng Baishi's eyebrows twitched, "Prince Cheng?!"

"Yes, My Lord. Prince Cheng has come with his men, claiming that a thief from his royal residence has fled into the mortuary temple. He insists on entering to apprehend the culprit and is about to storm in—"

Zheng Baishi's face turned pale. Exchanging a glance with Qin Shu, both saw vigilance in each other's eyes.

Why would Prince Cheng come at such a time? A thief from his residence hiding in the mortuary temple? Clearly, he was following Qin Yan!

Qin Shu had just asked Zheng Baishi to keep Qin Guan's identity a secret, and now, within moments, Prince Cheng was barging in? What could they do? Once Prince Cheng arrived, everything would be exposed... Qin Guan, a young woman, had come here to conduct a corpse examination—how could they justify this breach of official protocol? Moreover, if word got out that Qin Guan had performed a corpse examination, it would undoubtedly tarnish her reputation!

At that moment, Qin Guan emerged from the side door. Hearing the attendant's words, she instinctively murmured, "Prince Cheng?"

Qin Shu was frantic with worry, and Zheng Baishi broke into a light sweat. He had just begun to admire Qin Guan greatly, but he absolutely could not allow a young girl like her to be dragged into this mess—

As everyone in the room scrambled to figure out how to hide Qin Guan, the half-closed door to the back hall was pushed open with force.

Prince Cheng, Yan Qi, dressed in a silver brocade robe, entered the back hall with over twenty guards from his residence in a grand procession. Yan Qi's gaze swept over the crowd and immediately landed on Qin Guan, who was clad in a white robe and wearing gauntlets. Yan Qi let out a half-smile, "Oh? When did this mortuary temple become so lively?!"

As a royal prince, Yan Qi commanded immediate respect. Even Qin Shu had to kneel in greeting. Qin Yan, who had just returned with the water, was shocked to see Prince Cheng but had no choice but to kneel as well.

Qin Guan pressed her lips together, lowered her gaze, and knelt silently, wishing she could vanish into the shadows.

"Your humble servants pay respects to Prince Cheng—"

Yan Qi took a few steps forward, stopping before Zheng Baishi. His eyes lifted and settled on the top of Qin Guan's head.

"Lord Zheng and the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, what brings you here..."

Zheng Baishi replied calmly, "Your Highness is aware of the recent cases in the capital. The Marquis is here to inquire about the progress of the investigation.""Oh? Matters of the penal system don't seem to fall under the marquis's jurisdiction." Just as Zheng Baishi was about to speak, Prince Cheng suddenly raised his voice sharply, "Moreover, this is a major case even His Majesty is watching closely. How could there be idlers loitering in such an important place as the Mortuary Temple?!"

The corner of Zheng Baishi's mouth twitched. Yan Qi sneered, "Lord Zheng, don't tell me he's some new minor official from the prefecture? Whether the prefecture sent anyone or not, I can verify with one inquiry. It would be most improper if Lord Zheng dared to lie right before my face."

Zheng Baishi's words were thus stifled before they could leave his mouth. Everyone's expressions shifted slightly, all realizing Yan Qi had come prepared.

Seeing Zheng Baishi's reaction, Yan Qi grew even more convinced that Qin Guan's identity couldn't bear scrutiny. He sneered, "Guards! Arrest this lawless brat who trespassed into the Mortuary Temple and obstructed official business—"

With one command issued, both Qin Shu and Zheng Baishi spoke out simultaneously, "Your Highness, you mustn't—"

Having achieved his purpose, Yan Qi smiled and asked, "Oh? Why mustn't I?"

Zheng Baishi grew frantic, "Because... because she is... she is..."

Zheng Baishi stumbled over his words, repeating "she is" several times without managing to complete the sentence. A glint of satisfaction flashed in Yan Qi's eyes as he prepared to speak. Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice tinged with arrogance came from behind.

"She's my person, Fourth Brother. You've misunderstood."